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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    23 Dump and Go Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    Published: Jul 20, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Busy weeknights can make dinner time feel like a chore, but with these 23 simple dump and go dinners, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients into a pot or slow cooker, and let them do the work while you focus on other things. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their evening routine without sacrificing flavor.

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let everything cook together and enjoy a delicious meal. It features chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce, all in one pan for easy cleanup.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes, and it cooks in under an hour. Packed with spicy buffalo sauce and sneaky spinach, this dish is both cheesy and satisfying. It's a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Roast Beef is a quick and easy dinner option that everyone will love. In just 50 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. The outside is coated with a tasty herb crust, while the inside stays juicy and tender, using only a handful of simple ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This one-pot meal is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of garlic parmesan wing sauce with cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and milk creates a rich and flavorful dish. With just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a simple and comforting dish. It features tender chicken along with carrots and peas, all simmered together in a flavorful sauce. Once everything is cooked, it's combined with noodles for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodles Soup.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    This soup is a warm and comforting dish that's super simple to prepare. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles in a flavorful broth. You can get everything ready in just 10 minutes, and then let the slow cooker handle the cooking.

    Get the Recipe

    Copycat Wendy's Chili

    Copycat Wendy’s Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Wendy's chili is a favorite for many, and now you can make it right at home with this easy recipe. It includes all the classic ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices, so you can enjoy that familiar flavor anytime. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal and is sure to satisfy.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. It's a hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors, but you can whip it up quickly using just a few basic ingredients from your pantry. Perfect for busy nights, this dish lets you enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Shipwreck Stew

    Slow Cooker Shipwreck Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish is filling and packed with flavor. With a mix of potatoes, beans, and ground beef, it's sure to please everyone at the table. It's a simple meal that you can prepare without much effort, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the Recipe

    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    A casserole dish full of spinach artichoke casserole.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This creamy casserole combines rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables, making it super easy to prepare. You can have it ready in less than an hour, from beginning to end. It's a simple and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is an easy way to enjoy tender pulled pork without the need for a smoker. The slow cooker handles everything, giving you juicy meat full of flavor. This dish is great for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time cooking.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will definitely provide some leftovers. It's simple to prepare, so you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy evenings, this meal is both filling and easy to throw together.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    Photo Credit: Eating In An Instant.

    Chicken parmesan pasta in the Instant Pot is a simple dinner option that combines pasta and chicken breast into a quick, one-pot meal. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just toss everything in the pot, let it cook, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish is a twist on the well-known Mississippi Pot Roast, featuring ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. The chicken has a tangy flavor that isn't spicy, making it perfect to serve over plain white rice. It's a simple and satisfying meal that comes together easily.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for any night of the week. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy dish that you'll likely want to make again and again!

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it prepped in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting plate that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Chili

    Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Happy Simple Living.

    Southwest Chicken Chili is a go-to dish for my family when we want something simple and satisfying. It combines tender chicken with a zesty broth, packed with corn, tomatoes, chipotle chiles, and two types of beans. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and requires minimal effort to prepare.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes is an easy and quick meal to put together. In just 5 minutes, you can have everything ready to go on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Meatball Pasta Bake

    Meatball Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

    This easy-to-make Meatball Pasta Bake is entirely cooked in the oven, including the pasta! Make with frozen meatballs, mozzarella cheese, penne pasta, and your favorite marinara sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna: Crazy-Good Cheesy Meat Lasagna in a Crockpot
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Crockpot Slow Cooker Lasagna is loaded with cheese and flavor. The slow cooker handles everything, simmering the meat sauce and baking the lasagna, so you don't have to worry about boiling noodles separately. This is a great option for a cozy dinner with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish features a mix of ground beef, bell peppers, and onions, creating a satisfying base. The blend of seasonings adds a flavorful kick that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. It's a simple meal that brings comfort and taste to the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
    Photo Credit: Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen.

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm and cozy dish that's perfect after a long day. It's creamy and cheesy, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and you've got a complete meal.

    Get the Recipe

    More Dump and Go Meals

    • Chicken broccoli rice casserole.
      31 Dump-and-Cook Dinners That Save You Serious Time
    • Chicken thighs.
      24 Dump-and-Cook Dinners You Can Toss Together in Minutes
    • Ground beef chili.
      24 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Save You Time
    • Land your man baked beans.
      24 Easy Dump-and-Cook Dinners for Busy Nights
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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